William Snyder unfolded his long figure and rose to greet his visitor. "Well, Jim," he said, putting out his hand. "I hope you're feelin' out of sight." Wheaton took his hand and said good evening. He threw open his coat and put down his hat. "A little fresh air wouldn't hurt you any," he said, tipping himself back in his chair. "Well, I guess your own freshness will make up for it," said Snyder. Wheaton did not smile; he was very cool and master of the situation. "I came to see what you want, and it had better not be much." "Oh, you cheer up, Jim," said Snyder with his ugly grin. "I don't know that you've ever done so much for me. I don't want you to forget that I did time for you once." "You'd better not rely on that too much. I was a poor little kid and all the mischief I ever knew I learned from you. What is it you want now?" "Well, Jim, you've seen fit to get me fired from that nice lonesome job you got me, back in the country." "I had nothing to do with it. The ranch owners sent a man here to represent them and I had nothing more to do with it. The fact is I stretched a point to put you in there. Mr. Saxton has taken the whole matter of the ranch out of my hands." "Well, I don't know anything about that," said Snyder contemptuously. "But that don't make any difference. I'm out, and I don't know but I'm glad to be out. That was a fool job; about the lonesomest thing I ever struck. Your friend Saxton didn't seem to take a shine to me; wanted me to go chasing cattle all over the whole Northwest--" "He flattered you," said Wheaton, a faint smile drawing at the corners of his mouth. "None of that kind of talk," returned Snyder sharply. "Now what you got to say for yourself?" "It isn't necessary for me to say anything about myself," said Wheaton coolly. "What I'm going to say is that you've got to get out of here in a hurry and stay out." Snyder leaned back in his chair and recrossed his legs on the table. "Don't get funny, Jim. Large bodies move slow. It took me a long time to find you and I don't intend to let go in a hurry." "I have no more jobs for you; if you stay about here you'll get into trouble. I was a fool to send you to that ranch. I heard about your little round with the sheriff, and the gambling you carried on in the ranch house." "Well, when you admit you're a fool you're getting on," said Snyder with a chuckle. "Now I'm going to make you a fair offer; I'll give you one hundred dollars to clear out,--go to Mexico or Canada--" "Or hell or any comfortable place," interrupted Snyder derisively. "And not come here again," continued Wheaton calmly. "If you do--!" It was to be a question of bargain and sale, as both men realized. "Raise your price, Jim," said Snyder. "A hundred wouldn't take me very far." "Oh yes, it will; I propose buying your ticket myself." Snyder laughed his ugly laugh.